| Day 1: Arrival to Quito Participants will fly to Quito (most flights arrive in the late evening). No matter your flight plans, we will have a representative meet you outside of customs gate and take you to the local hotel. Day 2: Mindo Morning: An early start for the Mindo area will be good to get to the birding. Our guide will know a number of good bird watching stops along the way, and we might see Southern Yellow-Grosbeak, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Rufous-chested Tanager and much more. These stops will make the short trip go by even faster, as at each stop will add a number of life birds for each trip participant. Once in Mindo, we will have all morning and most of the day to see beautiful tanagers and other Ecuadorian birds. Blue-necked Tanager, Golden Tanager, Beryl- Spangled Tanager and often more than a dozen tanager species start the first day of the trip. Velvet-purple Coronet and at least 10 other hummingbird species are found on most trips the first day. Rufous Motmot, Toucan Barbet, Pale-mandibled Aracari and much more will make the first day spectacular. The lodging will be at a nice eco-lodge (one of our customer's favorites) in a nice preserved forested area. The birding is great at the lodge too. Getting to bed at a reasonable hour is a good idea to start in the morning early. Day 3: Refugio Paz de las Aves The day begins just before dark, as we drive to Paz de las Aves for an early start. Up arrival, we walk to the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Besides seeing and hearing these beautiful birds, we will also see several other species, such as Toucan Barbet and perhaps Crimson-rumped Toucanet. The Refugio is world famous for opportunities to see Antpitta species. With some luck, we will be able to see Giant Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, and Moustached Antpitta. We may also see Dark-backed Wood Quail, Golden-headed Quetzal, another six more hummingbird species, and much more. Fawn-breasted Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Lemon-rumped Tanager, and more seem fill every new opening with new bird species. Like many other parts of Ecuador, large flocks of multiple species can be found. On the 2007 trip we found a flock with over 20 different species, proving over one hour of fantastic bird watching. Hummingbird species found at their feeders include Empress Brilliant, Tawny-bellied Hermit, and Collared Inca, and several others. After enjoying the Refugio and once the birding slows down, we will head back towards the lodge for birding in that area. Day 4: Rio Silanche An early start will be a good plan to get to Rio Silanche and the top of the tower as the birds get busy just after sunrise. This area was preserved by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation and includes Choco lowland forest at about 1000 to 1200 feet above sea level. The reserve is comprised of a mixture of primary forest, regenerating forest, with some grassland and former plantation. In addition to the canopy observation tower, extensive trails and a footbridge make for easy exploration of the forest. From the top of the tower, we saw 80 species between 6 AM at 9:30 AM in April 2007. We saw several new hummingbird species in a nearby tree, including Purple- chested Hummingbird. Great looks were had of Dot- winged Antwren, Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper and the spectacular Scarlet-breasted Dacnis. Griscom's Antwren, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Scarlet-and-White Tanager, Guira Tanager, Blue- whiskered Tanager, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Chestnut- fronted Macaw and Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher could also be seen from the tower. Watch the guide as he visually sorts large flocks and listens carefully to allow the bird-watching participants the opportunity to see new species. A short walk down the trail included Black-striped Woodcreeper, Plain Xenops, Pacific Antwren, Immaculate Antbird, Western Woodhaunter, Russet Antshrike, and Blue-crowned Manakin. In one 20 foot segment of the trail we added Western White-tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Broad-billed Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, and Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant to our day list which reached 139 species. We will then drive back to Mindo and birding back along the way will be worthwhile that afternoon (sometimes late afternoon). Day 5: Milpe Reserves The main destination for the day will be the Milpe Bird Sanctuary in the Andean Foothills. This sanctuary is located in a Birdlife International Important Bird Area (IBA), Los Bancos—Milpe. The sanctuary has an altitudinal range from 3350-3770 feet and includes two small rivers that converge in a steep, forested valley. Many birders consider this one of the finest sites in all of Ecuador. Many of the most spectacular Choco Endemics occur here: Plumbeous Forest-Falcon, Moss-backed Tanager, Choco Trogon, and Club-winged Manakin. At some point, we may see Chocó Toucans and Pale- mandibled Araçaris in the more open areas. This sight is long famous for good tanager viewing days. The road hosts good mixed flocks, and new trails in the reserve allow access to the forest. We can expect a host of tanagers, including Ochre-breasted Tanager, Rufous- throated Tanager, Lemon-rumped Tanager, and we may get lucky and find the dazzling Glistening Green Tanager. Over twenty species from this spectacular family are possible here in a day. On our last trip, we found Choco Toucan, Choco Warbler, Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Thick-billed Euphonia, Bay Wren, Rufous-throated Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Yellow- throated Bush-Tanager, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Choco Brush-Finch, Striped Cuckoo, Chestnut-collard Swift and Russet Antshrike. We will also add a few more species of hummingbird species, possibly Purple-crowned Fairy, Green-crowned Brilliant ,White-whiskered Hermit, and Green-crowned Woodnymph. In total, the day could reach 100 species. We may have time to cool off at nearby restaurant where up to a dozen species of tanager come to feed on the bananas put out for them. Several species which come here include Emerald Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, and several others. A number of hummingbird species (including Green Thorntail) can be seen here. In addition, we may find Crimson-rumped Toucanet. This both leisurely and productive stop is a hit with all bird watchers. Once the birding has slowed down in the Milpe area, we will then head towards the Tandayapa Valley for the night so that we may have an early start at the great birding in that area. We will likely see a few more great birds as we drive about one to one and one-half hours, and the feeders at the lodge are always worth checking out. Day 6 - Bellavista & Tandayapa Valley On the sixth day, we will start birding early at the areas surrounding our lodge. Some of the species we are more likely to see include Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Plain-breasted Hawk, Blue and White Swallow, Plain-tailed Wren, Sickle-winged Guan, Great Thrush, Plumbeous Pigeon, Glossy-black Thrush, Red-billed Parrot, Turquoise Jay, Spectacled Whitestart, Band-winged Nightjar (hopefully more than a song), Slate-throated Whitestart, White-collared Swift, Russet-crowned Warbler, Masked Trogon, Grass-green Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Plate-billed Mountain- Toucan, Rufous-chested Tanager, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Powerful Woodpecker, Thick-billed Euphonia, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Montane Woodcreeper, Golden Tanager, Azara's Spinetail, Flame- faced Tanager, Red-faced Spinetail, and Beryl-spangled Tanager, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Blue-and-black Tanager, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Spillmann's Tapaculo, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, Green and black Fruiteater, White-winged Brush-Finch, Streak-necked Flycatcher, White-sided Flowerpiercer, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Masked Flowerpiercer, Cinnamon Flycatcher, and Smoke-coloured Pewee. Several hummingbird feeders in the area can be accessed, and we are likely to add an additional ten to twenty species to the trip list here, including Velvet-purple Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Buff-tailed Coronet, Gorgeted Sunangel, Purple-bibbed White-tip, Fawn- breasted Brilliant, Booted Racket-Tail, and Purple- throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald, Speckled Hummingbird, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Brown Inca. Other birds which we may find in the area include Rufescent Screech-Owl, White-faced Nunbird, Cloud Forest Pygmy-Owl (likely to hear), Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Ocellated Tapaculo, and Green-fronted Lancebill. We will also look for Crested Quetzal, Plushcap, Tanager Finch, and Beautiful Jay. We will end the evening back in Quito. Day 7: Yanacocha or Take a Break in the City: On the seventh day, participants will have a choice between taking a break from bird-watching (and resting that day in Quito) or continue bird watching. For those embracing another day of bird-watching and a brisk early start, the day starts with an early breakfast as we head towards the Yanacocha Reserve or “Inca Ditch”. Yanacocha is famous for high elevation hummingbirds (such as Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Sapphire-vented Puffleg and many more). We may also see White-crested Elaenia, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Brown- backed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, Black- crested Warbler, Masked Flower-Piercer, Glossy Flower- piercer, Black Flower-Piercer, Scarlet-bellied Mountain- Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Stripe-headed Brush- Finch, Hooded Siskin, and more. On the trip back to Quito, we will also stop along the way to bird some additional key habitat in the mountainous and foothills areas above Quito. We may have time to visit some of the dry valleys near Quito to look for Giant Hummingbird, Ash-breasted Sierra Finch, Tufted Tit-tyrant, Golden-rumped Euphonia, and the rare White-tailed Shrike Tanager, and Grassland Yellow-Finch. For those needing a break from birding, the day can be spent however you like, including sleeping in and exploring Quito. Days 8 & 9: Antisana Ecological Reserve, Papallachta Pass, Hot Springs Area & Guango Lodge On the eighth day, we start early for the western entrance of Antisana Ecological Reserve for a great day of bird watching. Birdlife International categorizes Antisana as an Important Bird Area and the area is part of The Nature Conservancy's Condor Bioreserve. A mix of elfin forest below and grassland páramo above makes for a productive mix of new trip birds. The former yields many high elevation cloud-forest and treeline species such as Shining Sunbeam, Pearled Treerunner, White-throated Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-tyrant, Unicolored (Blackish) Tapaculo, Plain-colored Seedeater, Cinereous Conebill among others. Beyond and above, the páramo proper yields Bar-winged Cinclodes, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black- billed Shrike-Tyrant, Páramo Pipit and Plumbeous Sierra- Finch. Here we also see Ecuadorian Hillstar feeding on the orange thistle-shrubs (Chuquiraga) while Many- striped Canasteros and Andean Tit-Spinetails skulk in the bushes. Tawny Antpittas call all around. Higher up on the plateau, we scan for Andean Lapwings, Páramo Ground-Tyrant. We should find the local specialty, the Black-faced Ibis. This isolated population is at the northern extreme of the species range and is considered endangered in Ecuador. Black-winged Ground-Dove is abundant in flocks along with Eared Dove. Streak-backed Canasteros haunt the drier areas. Carunculated Caracaras are seen in large numbers often walking and scratching in the fields. Puna Hawks are also commonly seen soaring along the ridges and hovering. Given good visibility, we have a good chance of seeing Andean Condor, one of the largest populations found in Ecuador as well as Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. With more luck we might see the rare Cinereous Harrier and Aplomado Falcon (subspecies pichinchae). Also, large mammals which are notoriously shy in the tropics are often seen at the reserve such as the South American Fox and White-tailed Deer. At some point as we drive to our lodge for the night, we will find time for a productive stop at Like Mica (elevation at over 12,500 fee). We will likely find Andean Gulls and will scan the lake and look for Andean Coots, Andean Teal, Andean Ruddy Ducks, and Yellow-billed Pintails. This is also the best place in Ecuador to observe closely the Silvery Grebe. After much productive birding, we head to Thermas Pappalachta (a beautiful high altitude hot springs and lodge) to wrap up the day. On the ninth morning, we will look around the lodge for Red-crested Cotinga, Spectacled Whitestart, Brown- bellied Swallow, Cinereous Conebill, Blue-backed Conebill, Black Flowerpiercer, Plain-colored Seedeater, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, and Hooded Siskin. We may also get better looks at Pearled Treerunner, White- crested Elaenia, White-banded Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit- Tyrant, Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant, Turquoise Jay, Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler, Mountain Cacique, and Superciliaried Hemispingus. As time allows, we will explore other areas around Papallacta Pass. The pass is the highest easily accessible point in Ecuador, and links Quito and the eastern lowlands. This area has an excellent selection of montane species. As we travel around and over the pass, we can access tundra-like páramo and scattered patches of Polylepis woodland. Lower down, elfin forest and montane cloudforest occur. These areas support interesting species, including Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Band-tailed Seedeater, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Black- billed Shrike-Tyrant, Curve-billed Tinamou, Caranculated Caracara, Black-chested Eagle, Puna Hawk, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Plain-breasted Hawk, Rufous-naped Brush- Finch, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Andean Condor, Giant Conebill, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Tit-Spinetail and others. Before the end of the day, we will have the opportunity to bird the feeders at Guango Lodge. The hummingbird feeders can be seen at anytime and include some world famous looks at Swordbill Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, Glowing Puffleg, and Mountain Avocetbill. We may also find Mountain Velvetbreast, and Tyrian Metaltail hummingbirds in the area. At about 4 PM on the 9th day of the trip, main trip participants will go back to Quito for flights home that night or the next day. Day 10: Flights Home Flights home for all with pleasant memories of an excellent and worthwhile birding trip. |
| Detailed Itinerary |
| Murray Cooper |
| John Drummond |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| John Drummond |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| Masked Flowerpiercer by Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| John Drummond |
| Murray Cooper |
| John Drummond |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| Murray Cooper |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| Murray Cooper |
| Photo by John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| John Drummond |
| Photo by John Drummond |
| 10 Days in Northwest Ecuador |
| For More Information or to Register for this Trip, call Charles at 888-203-7464 or directly at 720-320-1974 or by email at info@PIBird.com. |
| Mindo, Milpe, Rio Silanche, Paz de Las Aves, Bellavista, Tandayapa Valley, Yanacocha and More Extensions to Galapagos Islands, Sani Lodge and Amazonian Basin, or San Isidro |
Northwest Ecuador
Details for 10 Day Trip
Details for 10 Day Trip
